WALNUT--Thursday, the 93rd Tippah County Tournament resumed at Walnut High School. In semifinal action, the Ripley Lady Tigers, the Ripley Tigers, and the Walnut Lady Wildcats won and advanced to tonight’s title games. Monday, the Pine Grove Panthers punched their ticket to the boys’ title game. They face Ripley at 7:30 p.m. The Ripley Lady Tigers and Walnut Lady Wildcats meet for the girls’ title at 6 p.m.

(G) Ripley 66, Falkner 26

The Ripley Lady Tigers used a stifling defense to roll past the Falkner Lady Eagles. The Lady Tigers forced the Lady Eagles into 28 first-half turnovers and led 38-12 at halftime. The win advanced the Lady Tigers to the tournament finals for the third year in a row under Head Coach Katie Walker-Bates. Before winning the tournament last season, they lost to Pine Grove in 2008.

For Ripley, LaNaesha Cox scored 11 points in the first half and finished with 17. Freshman Jayla Chills led all scorers with 18. Shunqest Howell and Becca Ruckes added 10 points apiece.

For the Lady Eagles, Krystal Hill led with nine points.

(B) Ripley 77, Blue Mountain 64 OT

Blue Mountain’s Von Echols tied the game on a free throw with 5.2 seconds left to send the game into overtime. However, in the extra period, a combined 18 points by Ripley guards Tyyon Rutherford and Acie Vance made the difference. The Tigers advanced to the championship game for the 10th year in a row. Rutherford led all scorers with 28 points and Vance chipped in 22.

The game was close throughout with the Tigers holding no more than a 10-point lead. They led the physical see-saw battle 29-26 at halftime. The Cougars led briefly in the first and second quarter, but stayed within striking distance of the Tigers with an effective inside game.

The Cougars got solid post play from Echols who led with 18 points. He also contributed five steals. Another post player, Larimie Bean scored 13 points and Michael Culver came off the bench with eight points and 8 rebounds. Shooting guard Ron Jones kicked in 11.

Isaac Bails added 11 for the Tigers.

(G) Walnut 49, Pine Grove 37

The Walnut Lady Wildcats used a 17-3 third quarter run to overcome a two-point deficit and take control of the game. The Pine Grove Lady Panthers led 19-17 at halftime, but the Lady Wildcats rallied to lead 34-22 to start the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, the Lady Panthers got as close as 35-32, but the Lady Wildcats managed to push the lead back to 42-32 with less than two minutes to play.

Walnut coach Larry Tribble played without the services of two starters due to injuries suffered in the Lady Wildcat’s Feb. 2 game with Ripley. Olivia Robinson suffered a mild concussion and hopes to be ready for tonight’s championship game. Lindsey Pulse suffered a knee injury and is likely done for the season.

Becky Robinson scored a game-high 15 points and Presley Pulse added 12 for the Lady Wildcats. Bryana Davis led the Lady Panthers with 13 points.